Abstract: Monitoring flow-based systems (FBS) (e.g., water distribution systems) is of paramount importance, due to their economic and health impacts. FBS monitoring has been typically achieved by strategically placed, costly and complex, static sensors. To reduce the cost of monitoring, we propose a mobile wireless sensor network (WSN) system comprised of mobile sensors (their movement aided by the inherent flow) and static beacons which aid locating sensors.

Abstract: The objective of this research is to develop methods for the operation and design of cyber physical systems in general, and energy efficient buildings in particular. The approach is to use an integrated framework: create models of complex systems from data; then design the associated sensing-communication-computation-control system; and finally create distributed estimation and control algorithms, along with execution platforms to implement these algorithms.

Abstract: The objective of the project is to demonstrate the synergistic use of a cyber-physical infrastructure consisting of smart-phone devices; cloud computing, wireless communication, and intelligent transportation systems to manage vehicles in the complex urban network – through the use of traffic controls, route advisories and road pricing – to jointly optimize drivers’ mobility and the sustainability goals of reducing energy usage and improving air quality.

Abstract: We aim at enabling operation of synthetic and cyborg insects in complicated envi- ronments such as outdoors or inside collapsed buildings. Success in this research project will bring society closer to solving the grand challenge of having teams of mobile, disposable, search and rescue robots which can robustly locomote through uncertain and novel environments, finding survivors in disaster situations, while removing risk from rescuers.

Abstract: Project Description

Abstract: The American Society of Civil Engineers’ recent report on US infrastructure estimates that a $2.2 trillion investment would be needed to bring them up to par. An estimated 30% of the nation’s 10,000 steel railroad bridges and 600,000 highway bridges are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete or both. Currently, most bridge inspections are visual only, which has been shown to be ineffective in identifying problems. Acoustic Emission (AE) testing is a comprehensive and effective way of detecting structural damage.

Abstract: The objective of this research is to create tools to manage uncertainty in the design and certification process of safety-critical aviation systems. The research focuses on three innovative ideas to support this objective. First, probabilistic techniques will be introduced to specify system-level requirements and bound the performance of dynamical components. These will reduce the design costs associated with complex aviation systems consisting of tightly integrated components produced by many independent engineering organizations.

Abstract: The chemical industry is a vital sector of the US economy. Optimal operation and management of abnormal situations are major challenges in the process industries since, for example, abnormal situations account for at least $10 billion in annual lost revenue in the US alone. This realization has motivated significant research in the area of process control to ensure safe and efficient process operation.

Abstract: No robots at the sub-­‐cm3 scale exist because their development faces a number of open challenges. This project focuses on identifying and determining means for solving these challenges.

Abstract: We wish to create office divider/façade systems that can adapt their visual appearance and privacy properties to your working needs, can be rearranged within minutes, and allow you to program them by gestures. For example, a wall could sense outside weather and its occupants’ moods and adapt its color accordingly. Or, a wall could provide its user with privacy by becoming opaque and emitting white noise. Finally, individual elements could open themselves up to let air, noise, and little objects pass between zones.